Our Staff

Steve began his publishing career in 1991 as technical editor for E&MJ and Coal Age. Rising through the ranks with both publications, he was named editor-in-chief of E&MJ in 2003 and eventually promoted to editorial director. He has traveled the world, visited mines and wrote countless articles about the practical application of technology to improve operational safety and efficiency.

Prior to pursuing a career in publishing, he worked as a mine foreman and project engineer for an underground mining operation in the western U.S. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla (known today as the Missouri University of Science & Technology).

Jesse Morton has a background in print journalism, technical writing, and corporate communications. He began his career in newspapers, holding roles as a reporter, copy editor, and news editor before transitioning to technical writing and corporate communications. Since 2016, Jesse has been contributing his expertise to Mining Media International, exceling in crafting clear and compelling content. Outside of work, he enjoys spending tiem with is family, surfing and playing the guitar.

Oscar Martinez was born and lives in Antofagasta, Chile’s mining capital. He is a Spanish/English/German Translator (1989) and Business Administration Technician (1992), both degrees obtained from a prestigious Chilean technical college.

He joined MMI in 2006 as Correspondent in Latin America, after more than 20 years working as a technical translator for different international companies in scientific facilities, power generation plants, and different mining sites. He is in charge of the translation, preparation and editing of articles, reports and news of current mining in Latin America.

Oscar enjoys fishing, gym workout, and travels to the south of his country every summer for vacations. He has a passion for visiting other countries and learning about other cultures and languages.

Carly Leonida is a UK-based technical writer and editor. She has spent 15 years covering the global mining sector and has written for and managed some of the industry’s leading trade publications. Carly is the current European editor at Mining Media International. She holds a first-class degree in geography and geology from Brighton University and was named one of the most influential women in mining by Clear Creek Media in 2016.

Carly is passionate about creating a more sustainable future for society through mining and, in 2019, she established an online publication – The Intelligent Miner – to help bridge the communication gap between audiences inside and outside of the mining sector.

Gavin du Venage is a Cape Town-based business journalist. He has more than 20 years of experience covering Africa, including as a stringer for the San Francisco Chronicle and New York Times. He currently focuses on mining and energy issues, two subjects that are driving African development and changing its fortunes.

Mack Plovie is a Canada based photographer and writer with over 10 years experience working in underground and surface mining. He is genuinely passionate about anything dirt or equipment related, and dedicated to changing the narrative surrounding Canadian mining through media production and storytelling. He regularly travels throughout Canada partnering with mining companies and contractors to document and share unique stories.

Craig handles the print and digital sales for the Eastern US and Eastern Canada.

He graduated from Florida State University but is a lifelong Florida Gator.

He’s been married to his wife, Tammy, for 21 years, and they have four children ages 14 to 30, and one grandson that’s 7.

When he’s not working, you’ll find him at his son’s baseball games, golf matches, or watching the latest true crime shows.

Frank Strazzulla has successfully represented consumer and B2B media properties in the industrial and health care sectors. Having represented Mining Media International publications, websites and events since 2017, he has also worked on industry-leading properties for Crain Communications, Penton Media, Meredith Corporation and the Arthritis Foundation.

Now based in the Phoenix area, when not working he enjoys golf and time spent with his wife Flor and daughter Natalie with the satisfaction that he’s done paying school and college tuition.

Gary serves as the Advertising Sales Representative for the EMEA region. With over a decade of experience in the Financial Services industry, where he earned his CII certification, Gary brings a unique perspective to his role in advertising sales, which he explored for two years before pursuing other professional opportunities.

A keen artist and soccer enthusiast, Gary enjoys creative pursuits and staying active in his free time. He values quality time with his family and maintains a balanced approach to work and life.

Ashley Stough started with Mining Media International in July 2023 as Production Manager.

Prior to joining Mining Media, she worked as a Client Success Manager for an advertising company, focusing on client success and retention. As a Client Success manager her focus on reviewing client creative, ensuring accurate billing and providing strong customer service makes her a perfect fit for the Production Manager role.

Ashley comes from a large family with five kids and is originally from Atlanta. She moved to Jacksonville in 2010. In her free time, you can find her drinking coffee, spending time with her two fur babies, Harley & Maho, at the dog park and going to the beach. She also enjoys live music and can always be found listening to some tunes.

“Happiness is dog kisses and coffee.”

Misty Valverde is a skillful graphic and web designer and has been with Mining Media International since January 2017. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic and Web Design from The Art Institute, Misty is the person behind the scenes creating MMI’s digital presence, crafting compelling promotional materials for both MMI and its diverse portfolio of brands.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Misty’s journey has taken her across the globe as a military spouse, residing in vibrant locales such as Japan and Bahrain alongside her husband and two sons, before making Jacksonville their home base. When she’s not immersed in pixels and code, you’ll likely find Misty at the poker table, where her love for Texas Hold’em and PLO shines. And ask her about her favorite tradeshow? Without a doubt, it’s MINExpo in Vegas – the perfect blend of business and excitement.

Tad Seabrook has been a graphic designer with MMI since 2006. He has a versatile background in design and production of promotional materials for the construction and financial services industries. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design from the University of North Florida and has been in the design industry since 1998.